Principal

Heartwood  Learning Trust is looking for a dedicated and values driven Principal to provide strong leadership and management for Vale of York Academy, continuing  the  work of the current Principal.  This is an exciting opportunity for someone who wants to make a difference.

Underpinned by our Trust values Respect, Teamwork and Kindness, we are a collaborative multi-academy Trust with a supportive central team and a great team of Principals.  

At Vale of York Academy our ethos is ‘Always giving the best’. Our ambition is that all our learners should experience “Life in all its fullness” and that we provide “a place to thrive”. We believe that our core purpose as an academy is to prepare our students for life after secondary education, by ensuring that they are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead successful lives. We want our learners to make a positive contribution to our local community and beyond. Vale of York is a vibrant school, full of opportunity and high expectation for all. At Vale of York each student benefits from a setting where everyone is valued as a unique individual. We work in partnership with Heartwood Learning Trust, which allows us to share and grow expertise, and offer a breath of experience for all our children. We believe in the power of positive relationships and work hard to maintain a culture of kindness and inclusivity.

The job holder will be required to

• Be a highly visible presence around the school and model expectations and standards to staff and pupils

• Secure an excellent quality of education 

• Provide strategic leadership for all aspects of the school

• Promote, support and develop an inclusive approach to meet the needs of all pupils 

• Ensure that provision responds to the context of the school and the needs of the school community

We are looking for an experienced senior leader with

• A positive “can do” attitude and high expectations 

• A desire to make a difference to all pupils and the school community

• Experience of successful senior leadership in a school

• The desire to work in strong partnership with other Principals in the Trust to ensure improved outcomes and experiences for all

• A proven track record of positively impacting disadvantaged pupils and pupils with SEND

• The ability to lead, manage and motivate colleagues

In return we can offer

• Experienced and supportive Trust leadership with a collaborative approach and an appreciative culture

• Experienced  group of Secondary Principals and leaders who work in a highly supportive way

• An established, experienced and strong central team that works closely with stakeholders across our schools/academies.

• A commitment to continuing professional development 

• Structured support to unlock talent

• Teachers Pension Scheme

• School Teachers national pay and conditions

• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme

• Cycle to Work scheme
  

If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, we encourage you to have an informal conversation about the role with Helen Winn, Chief Executive Officer.  Please email  Recruitment@hlt.academy 

Interviews will take place on 23rd and 24th April 2026

Job Details

Hours of Work:  1 FTE

Position Type: Permanent Post

Line Manager: Chief Executive Officer

Travel Required: Occasional

The salary is dependent on current qualifications and experience, please see the attached job description for more information.

Application Process

Please complete the online application form to apply for this role. All candidates are advised to refer to the job description and person specification before making an application.  You should use the information supplied with in the Job Description & Person Specification to make the best of your application by identifying some specific pieces of work you may have undertaken in any of these areas. Your application may be viewed in regard to some or all of the skill specific areas over the course of the selection process.  Applications via agencies will not be considered.

We are committed to safeguarding and protecting our children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  All posts are subject to a safer recruitment process which includes enhanced criminal records and barring checks, scrutiny of employment history, robust referencing and other vetting checks.